New to Snuff? Start Here.
Snuff is simple once you know the basics. Here is a short guide to get you going, followed by a hand-picked set of gentle, forgiving blends that make an easy first step.
The Basics
The four things to know, in a line each. Open any panel for more depth.
What is snuff
Finely ground tobacco.
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Snuff is finely ground tobacco, and some blends are tobacco free. A small pinch is taken gently into the front of the nostril, where the scent and a little nicotine are absorbed.
How to take it
A gentle, breathy sniff.
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Take a small pinch between thumb and forefinger and rub it lightly. Bring it to the front of one nostril and gently inhale through the nose, the way you would smell a flower or a fine whisky. A soft, slow breath is all it takes. A hard pull sends the pinch too far back.
Grind & moisture
Moist blends forgive the most.
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Snuffs vary in grind and moisture. Moist blends are the most forgiving. They settle in smoothly and ease you in. Finer, drier blends can feel sharper, so they are best saved for later. The snuffs below all sit on the gentle, moist side.
Scent & strength
Start scented. Work up slowly.
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Scented and menthol snuffs are the easiest to enjoy from day one. Natural tobacco snuffs are more of an acquired taste. Whatever you pick, begin mild and work up over time. There is no rush.
A Beginner's Guide to Snuff
In a Nutshell
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Snuff is finely ground tobacco, taken as a small pinch to the front of the nostril. It has centuries of tradition behind it, brought to Europe by Spanish travellers in the sixteenth century and adopted in turn by the courts of Portugal, France and England. The main styles run from plain English blends and citrusy SPs to floral French snuffs, dark German Schmalzlers and a wide modern range of flavoured snuffs in cherry, whisky, menthol and more.
Beginners do best with a medium grind, a light scent, and a small sampler bundle, which lets you taste several blends before committing to a full tin. Small pinches are rubbed lightly between thumb and forefinger, brought to the front of one nostril, and gently inhaled through the nose like the scent of a flower or a fine whisky. The scent blooms first; the tobacco character builds and settles over a minute or so. A tin kept airtight, cool and dark will last months.
Where to Begin?
Hand-picked community favourites, carefully selected to give you the best start on your journey.
Beginner's Bundles
The easiest start of all. Each bundle gathers several beginner-friendly blends together, so you can explore in one go.
Assortment packs
Each pack gathers several small tins, one per flavour, as a broad introduction to the brand.
Community bestsellers
Refreshing menthols and fruit menthols that have won over our community. Mid-strength nicotine, but the menthol carries them smoothly, so they are easy to enjoy from day one.
Mild and scented
Lightly scented, forgiving blends with a gentle delivery. The easiest landing if you would rather ease in slowly.
A few handy extras
Optional, but nice to have. A box to take a tidy pinch from, a tin to keep a blend fresh, and a handkerchief for the early sneezes.
Still weighing it up? Browse the full range of sampler bundles, or ask our community and customer support team. We are always happy to help you find your first blend.
Browse all sampler bundlesJoin the conversation
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